Public asked for help in identification

By Press Staff

Published
3:47 pm EDT, Friday, September 30, 2016

Route 271, also known as East Street in Middletown, where police say a suspicious man offered to give candy to schoolchildren waiting at their bus stop one day this week, and returned the following day.

Route 271, also known as East Street in Middletown, where police say a suspicious man offered to give candy to schoolchildren waiting at their bus stop one day this week, and returned the following day.

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Route 271, also known as East Street in Middletown, where police say a suspicious man offered to give candy to schoolchildren waiting at their bus stop one day this week, and returned the following day.

Route 271, also known as East Street in Middletown, where police say a suspicious man offered to give candy to schoolchildren waiting at their bus stop one day this week, and returned the following day.

MIDDLETOWN >> Middletown police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say came into contact with children twice this week as they waited for their morning school bus.

On Thursday and Friday, a small silver/gray SUV driven by a suspicious “Indian-looking” man came into contact with schoolchildren near East Street in the Westfield section of town, according to a press release issued by Lt. Heather Desmond.

On Thursday, he allegedly asked children if they wanted candy. A witness reports that they were outside a home in the afternoon.

On Friday morning, police say he drove by kids waiting at a bus stop, slowly turned around and drove away. Police haven’t said if the suspect targeted the same stop.

Authorities say the Board of Education has been notified and the Middletown Police Department is investigating these events. Anyone witnessing similar types of incidents, or who witnessed either of these acts, is asked to contact police at 860-638-4000.

Police also urge parents to “please take this opportunity to remind your children to stay safe” and to advise young people not to “take anything from strangers; do not go near or in suspicious vehicles, and find the closest trusted adult if a stranger approaches.”